Home Build 2026 Q & A

Inishowen Co-Op Home Build & Energy Efficiency Hub 2026

Event Questions & Answers

What is the Inishowen Co-Op Home Build & Energy Efficiency Hub?

The Inishowen Co-Op Home Build & Energy Efficiency Hub is a one-day event designed to bring together homeowners, builders, local tradespeople and industry experts. It provides practical advice, expert talks, and access to suppliers who can help at every stage of building, rebuilding or upgrading a home.

Whether you are planning a new build, navigating a rebuild, improving energy efficiency or simply gathering ideas, the event offers an opportunity to meet experts and explore solutions all in one place.

When and where is the event taking place?

The event takes place on:

Saturday 21st March 2026
11am – 4pm

Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Who should attend?

The event is designed for anyone interested in building, rebuilding or improving their home, including:

• People planning a new build
• Homeowners rebuilding due to defective concrete blocks
• Families renovating or extending their homes
• Homeowners interested in energy upgrades
• DIY enthusiasts and tradespeople
• Anyone exploring grants, heating systems or building materials

What can visitors expect on the day?

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet experts and suppliers covering all aspects of the building journey, including:

• Timber frame and structural building specialists
• Roofing, insulation and ventilation solutions
• Windows, doors and security systems
• Flooring, kitchens and interior finishes
• Paint and decorative suppliers
• Renewable energy systems and heating solutions
• BER, Part L and air tightness testing professionals
• SEAI grant guidance and retrofit supports

The event allows visitors to discuss their plans, ask questions and explore options with trusted suppliers and advisors.

What is the Expert Speaker Series?

New for 2026, the event will include a short-format Expert Speaker Series titled “From First Step to Finished Home.”

Each session will run for approximately 15 minutes, followed by a short audience Q&A, allowing visitors to ask questions directly to the speaker.

Talks begin at 12:30pm.

The series will guide visitors through the key stages of the building journey, helping people avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions.

What topics will be covered in the talks?

Mortgages: Getting Finance Right from the Start
Speaker: Eamonn McDonagh, CML Financial

This talk will explain how to prepare for a mortgage application, what lenders are currently looking for, how to understand your real build budget, and when to engage with a mortgage advisor during the process.

Planning, Design and Virtual Reality: Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Speaker: Shane Doherty, Shane Doherty Architecture

This session will cover the planning permission process, important site considerations, designing homes for long-term living, and how virtual reality can help homeowners walk through their home before it is built to identify design issues early.

Energy Efficiency and the Build Process from Ground Up
Speaker: Phil Doyle, Sales Technician

Efficient Renewables

This session explains the build process from start to finish with a focus on energy efficiency, including insulation, ducting, heat pumps, solar panels, ventilation and how early decisions can significantly impact long-term energy performance.

SEAI Grants and Supports: What Applies to Your Home
Speaker: Claire Irwin, Irwin Consulting & Retrofit Grants

This talk will outline SEAI grants and supports available for homeowners building, rebuilding or retrofitting. It will also cover grant timelines, paperwork, and tips for avoiding common application mistakes.

Will there be advice for homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks?

Yes.

IDP will be present on the day to provide advice and information for homeowners affected by Defective Concrete Blocks.

Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the supports available and the processes involved in rebuilding.

What is the Community, Trades and Services Noticeboard?

To support local businesses, the event will feature a Community, Trades and Services Noticeboard.

Local tradespeople and service providers are invited to leave business cards or small promotional flyers into Inishowen Co Op Carndonagh branch  to allow  visitors to discover local trades even if those businesses are not exhibiting at the show.

The trades table will be located beside the complimentary tea and coffee area, making it easy for visitors to browse local services during the event.

Will there be live demonstrations?

Yes.

A large Power Tools in Action display will take place during the event.

Visitors will be able to see tools demonstrated from leading brands including:

• DeWalt
• Einhell
• Makita
• Milwaukee

These demonstrations will show tools being used in real situations, from DIY projects to professional trade applications.

Will there be competitions or prizes?

Yes, there will be free prize draws on the day.

Prizes include:

1st Prize – €300 Crown Paint Voucher
2nd Prize – €200 Canadia Flooring Voucher
3rd Prize – €100 Inishowen Co-Op Voucher

Visitors attending the event will have the opportunity to enter the draw during the day OR enter now in advance   https://inishowencoop.com/blogs/news/home-build-and-energy-efficiency-hub-2026 

How many exhibitors will be attending?

The event will feature over 50 exhibitors, bringing together suppliers, specialists and advisors from across the building and home improvement sector.

Why does Inishowen Co-Op host  this yearly event?

For over 60 years, Inishowen Co-Op has supported local communities, homeowners and tradespeople across the region.

The Home Build & Energy Efficiency Hub continues that tradition by bringing together expertise, trusted suppliers and practical information to help people make confident decisions about their homes.

Do I need to register?

No registration is required.

The event is free to attend, and visitors are welcome to drop in anytime between 11am and 4pm.

Where can I get more information?

For further details please contact:

Inishowen Co-Op
074 9374555

Or follow Inishowen Co-Op on social media for updates.